To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Law office of W. L. Douglass
Practice in state & Federal Courts
Gilbert Building
Beaumont Texas Oct 6th 1901
Mrs V. J. Williams,
Dry Grove, Miss.
My Dear Cousin,
I know you think I have treated you outrageously (and perhaps I have) But Jennie I have not been well since I have returned home from Miss and I have made several very disastrous speculations that cost me a goodeal [sic] of money and tracebles [sic]. I have wanted to get rich before, and thought I saw a fortune a head [sic] of me, and most all of my money accts in the sea of speculation. The boom that was on busted and before I could realize the condition every thing I had was swept a way [sic]-one thing however I have no debts or incumberance [sic] hanging over me, that I have not been able to meet. I did want to get rich so much, not for my self, but I thought, dear Jennie, I could take you and Bettie and provide for you in your old age, that I could give to you the comforts in your

Copyright protected by Mississippi State University Libraries. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Law office of W. L. Douglass
Practice in state & Federal Courts
Gilbert Building
Beaumont Texas Oct 6th 1901
Mrs V. J. Williams,
Dry Grove, Miss.
My Dear Cousin,
I know you think I have treated you outrageously (and perhaps I have) But Jennie I have not been well since I have returned home from Miss and I have made several very disastrous speculations that cost me a goodeal [sic] of money and tracebles [sic]. I have wanted to get rich before, and thought I saw a fortune a head [sic] of me, and most all of my money accts in the sea of speculation. The boom that was on busted and before I could realize the condition every thing I had was swept a way [sic]-one thing however I have no debts or incumberance [sic] hanging over me, that I have not been able to meet. I did want to get rich so much, not for my self, but I thought, dear Jennie, I could take you and Bettie and provide for you in your old age, that I could give to you the comforts in your
[page 2]
Old age that you enjoyed in your girlhood days[.] I am going to strive for that and yes, failure should only make me stronger, and past experience will suffice to guard me from the rocks that I have foundered upon.
I dont [sic] know if I will be able to bring Bettie to Texas this winter or not[.] I sent her last week $50.00 and I intend to send her money from now on that she may live comfortably upon. I hope her boy may be industrious and try and look after the comforts of his mother[.] Write to her boy, Jennie, and advise and encourage him to try and make something out of himself. I dont [sic] know Jennie if I will be able to come and see you Christmas or not. If I can come I will do so, and will come straight to your home and spend a day or two with you. I have some speculations on hand that may turn out to my advantage in the next three or four weeks. I have great expectations in them. I can not lose any more money on them, but I hope to realize the most
[page 3]
of the money back that I have lost. Our town is improving very rapidly, there must be some four or five thousand more people here than there was the beginning of the year. There is some thirty or forty brick building [sic] going up in the city now. Some of them that will do credit to our city in the south[.] Give my love to all your children and keep my best for your self, and if you need any help, Jennie that I can give let me know it.
Your Cousin
W L Douglass

Copyright protected by Mississippi State University Libraries. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Law office of W. L. Douglass
Practice in state & Federal Courts
Gilbert Building
Beaumont Texas Oct 6th 1901
Mrs V. J. Williams,
Dry Grove, Miss.
My Dear Cousin,
I know you think I have treated you outrageously (and perhaps I have) But Jennie I have not been well since I have returned home from Miss and I have made several very disastrous speculations that cost me a goodeal [sic] of money and tracebles [sic]. I have wanted to get rich before, and thought I saw a fortune a head [sic] of me, and most all of my money accts in the sea of speculation. The boom that was on busted and before I could realize the condition every thing I had was swept a way [sic]-one thing however I have no debts or incumberance [sic] hanging over me, that I have not been able to meet. I did want to get rich so much, not for my self, but I thought, dear Jennie, I could take you and Bettie and provide for you in your old age, that I could give to you the comforts in your